Page 33 of Blade

I knew I should tell her no, but she was just too damn cute sitting shotgun with her space buns and oversized sunglasses.

“Yeah, baby. You can have it now.”

She squealed before tearing into the bag and practically inhaling her treat.

Laughing, I pulled into my spot at the shop.

“You’re too damn cute.”

She flushed, but met my eyes. “You’re very handsome, Daddy.”

“Thank you, Little one.”

Cutting the ignition, I climbed from the truck and walked around to help her out. It had taken several rides to get her used to me helping, but she’d made tremendous progress.

“Thank you for waiting, darlin’.”

She placed her hands on my shoulders. I kissed her mouth before lifting her, and then setting her on her feet.

“Oh, Uncle Smoke is already here. That’s a first,” I joked.

“Yeah, he’s never here early… or on time.” She laughed.

Nodding, I agreed.

“Is gonna be a good night, Daddy. I can feel it.”

“Oh yeah?”

“Yep!”

“Well, that’s exciting to know. Maybe we’ll have nothing but sober clients.”

“Daddy, I said it would be a good night. Not a night of miracles.”

Laughing, I very gently smacked her sassy butt and led her to the back door.

“Smoke, you good?” I yelled.

“I’m good,” he said, stepping into my line of vision.

Eloise said, “You’re here early. We thought maybe it was the apocalypse or something.”

Smoke tried to look at her menacingly, but the corner of his mouth twitched slightly.

“You need to stop hanging out with the other Littles. You’re getting mouthy,” he teased.

She grinned at him before skipping off to my station.

“You know, a month ago I never would have imagined I’d see you so happy. I’m glad you’ve found someone, man.”

“Thank you. She’s really special.”

“It’s good to see her so happy, too,” he said, nodding.

“Not to be a brat too, but are you sure you’re good? It’s not like you to be here early.”

“Yeah. I’ve got… we…my…” He hesitated. “I’ve got some personal stuff going on, so I was already on this side of town. I just came on in.”

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